Sometimes, rarely, something a little bit magical happens. Something to remind me why I do what I do and more; why the creative spirit is important to humanity.
On World Book Day I visited King’s College School in Cambridge, the pre-prep. The children there attend an extraordinary school, established by Henry VI as a choir college. It still has a choir of 16, as originally planned, to this day, but has expanded into a full primary school with a music specialism.
The day was proposed by Heffer’s Children’s Bookshop in Cambridge who provided books and was hosted by librarian Mrs King (who, I discovered, used to be on my post round in Great Chesterford when I was a postman many years ago; tis a small world).
I worked with younger children but Mrs.King wanted to me to also meet a slightly older boy called Edward. Furtively sucking a boiled sweet we chatted briefly. He has a Russian mother so we spoke about a love of Russian music. For Edward is no ordinary boy. The terms “boy genius” and "new Mozart" are crudely bandied about. But for once I believe it is justified. At just 8 years old, he has already reached level 8 piano and violin. Youtube films show you why; he is sensational!
Back home I decided to send a copy of my old out of print book, Tales from Russia (or, Koshka’s Tales). And a few days later a package arrived. It was a thank you letter from Edward – a rather unique one!
For Edward, you see, has not just thanked me. He has written me a waltz. “The Gratitude Waltz, dedicated to James Mayhew”. A copy of his handwritten manuscript came with a CD of him playing the waltz (dazzlingly well) on the piano.
It is the most extraordinary thing and I am touched beyond words. The Waltz is really very lovely and obviously I will treasure it. But more than that, it communicates to me the purpose of art, music, creativity, as an extention of human feelings and emotions. Next time I feel encumbered by deadlines or my lot in life I will think of Edward’s waltz. And I will know, then, that whatever the future holds, I’m really very lucky to have this job.
Thank you Edward!
